Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1887-12-11
THE AMERICAN GIRL.
ELLA WHEELER WILCOX PREFERS RBR 10
THB INPORTED:BELLB.::
She Possesses 4 Multitude Of T~ntqS-H1rTying
through CklGhOd-Hsr Rslgn Of BslldOu-
Liberty N Yankee Land-An Atni-
rabls CzSnm-
Copyrighted. ISL

hAAA W A0A ~ 80
habits, he referred me to the condition of
public stairways aud conveyanees of
travel.
1T is declared that the Englishman
never steps across his threshold without
his umbrella" he said, well, the Ameri-
can ought never TO go over his portal unac-
eOmpanied by his cuspadore, for b sake
OF decency. But American girls-they are
divine. The most beautiful, the most en-
tertaining, the most fascinating, the BEST
dressed, the most original women in the
world
That was his opinion Having never
travelled far into foreign lands | am only
able 20 compare our own girls with the
few imported bellies whom | nave met, and
| mus. confess my preference Tor the la
tive article.
The American girl has a multitude Of
virtues, aud a few faults. Where 50 many
brilliant qualities send forth their splen.
dor OF light some shadows must naturally
fall.
old country parents regard female
children often a. membranes, always as
inferior possessions.
Girls are taught 70 stand IN awe OF their
brothers, and to regard men generally as
superior beings. Not so the American
girl. As soon IS she is born she rules the
household.
Bro theirs are made TO stand aside as
PAGES or to run As courtiers TO this new
queen.
The American small girl hurries through
her childhood IS fast as the years will per-
nit, eager TO enjoy the privileges she sees
accorded her older sister. she Is inclined
to he Uert and critical Of her elders, and
very frequently needs REFRESHING during
this period. She stares boldly at strangers,
comments on their peculiarities, and
giggles audibly as theyspaSs by. She learns
better manners, however, as she grows
older.
Oae Of the first phrases which fsStens
itself upon her impressionable mind is
mammals assertion, that she is a perfect
little flirt.' As the assertion Is accompa-
MED by a smile, she early conceiyes the
idea that to be a perfect little hirt is q most
desirable accomplishment. At fourteen
she IS immature il body, but ]precOciOus in
mind, and she begins 20 think about beaux.
She does no; entertain ideas OF mar
riage, save in vague way. She is no haste
10 become a wife.
1t l. her reign OF belledom she longs to
see inaugurated. Unlike her foreign
sister, freedom and. pleasure signify the
wears Of girlhOOd lying between the school
room and the altar.
During that period she expects to enjoy
AL the delights OF liberty in the Land Of
the Free aud the Home Of the Brave.
Her expectations are generally realized.
She is allowed to walk, and talk, AMI
drive, aud dance with youths Of her y
aye, and her very independence is her
protection.
Because she is expected to he prudent
she IS prudent. She Is like the young
bird, pushed to the edge OF the nest ami
left alone and told to fly.
I, is expected 10 maintain its equilib-
rum in the intoxicating air, and II seldom
falls.
The American girl seldom loses her
head, or meets vita disc 5ter a. q result Of
her freedom Of action. She who does
would have been - liable 20 meet II in
the guiSe Of a tutor OC priestly cSnteS~or,
hal she been never 50 carefully guarded IN
cOu.t circles or nuauvry
Oh this phase OF the American girl the
foreign Oru gentleman differed with me
tie believed her q most charming crea-
tura, bat the very freedom and liberty OF
action which had rendered her charming
ne deCrisd.
He liked her easy manners admired her
bright conversation and perfect deport-
ment, but he regretted the circumstance
to which she owed her sung trout
lie Thought her situation full OF dangers,
which she COuld not in every instance be
wise, or strong enough, to resist.
lie cited various instances where, en-
tirely unknown to the parents, be had
made the acquaintance OF unchaperoned
young ladies on railroad trains, or during
their visits 10 school mates in %neighboring
towns.
NO man would like to think his wife
had ever been guilty OF such indiScretions,'
he said, vet no man is quite sure that
any American girl be meets in society may
not have INDUCED in some foolish tllrta-
ton eScaplde, - great is the liberty al
lowed young ladies in this county,
~ | was aware the speaker had a
strenuous efforts 10 obtain an American
girl for his wife, his arguments failed 10
carry the conviction with me they other
wise might have done.
Still, Unjust admit that the growing
custom OF chapsrUniug young ladies Is an
admirable one. | have talked with sew
eral married ladies upon this subject, who
have said: L am glad no chapcrOne WAS
considered necessary when | was a girl;
vet | would not allow nay daughter 10 90
about as unprotected as | used to 90 for
any consideration"
The American girl is not an ideal daugh-
ter. As a rule, she is something of -
tyrant in her home, and inclined to re-
buke her parents if they displease her in
any way. She has been reared to regard
herself Of foremost Importance, and she
/ expects everything aud everybody to con-
| form to her wishes. Once taught respect
! 20 her elders, she becomes the most de-
voted of daughters.
At the Sea-shOre resort last summer, a
| young lady who was deemed one OF the
bellies was constantly seolding her dotiDg
mother for the most trivial things, as We
have heard a cross nurse scold 4 refractory
child. Had she heard the comments of
disgusted listeners she might have been
surprised at the estimation in which her
bellship was held.
The American girl Graves conquest as
much as any general who ever marshalied
his forces for battle. She enjoys playing
with danger, and possesses a spirit Of in
dependence which is worthy Of her Pill
grim Fathers.
Her head is level and her heart is warm,
and, when once her affections are won, she
makes the truest and prOudest OF wives,
and the most devoted of mothers.
ELLA WHEELER WILCOX.
LITERARY NOTES.
Stanton 4 Davenport have laid upon
/ our table, holiday edition of Poe's Karen.